Rafa Alkorta Reveals Athletic Club Will Negotiate A Contract Renewal With Markel Susaeta

Rafa Alkorta says that Athletic will negotiate a renewal with Markel Susaeta (MD)

Over the past few weeks there have been many rumors going around Athletic. One of the biggest stories has been the future of Markel Susaeta with several sources reporting that the club had already made the decision not to offer the captain a contract renewal. In an attempt to clear the air and address the various rumors, Rafa Alkorta went on Onda Vasca Thursday where he set the record straight.

“The issue with Susaeta is that, as I said to him, first we had to renew the coach and then we would make the squad”, the Sporting Director began. “That isn’t something that’s done in a matter of a day, there are many details that have to be considered. We know that he is a good football player. Markel understands football because he has a good mind. We are going to sit down with him. It’s not true that he’s demanded high wages. He wants to feel important again and we’re going to try to make that happen.

By explaining that the club is going to negotiate a renewal, Alkorta has also given hope that Susaeta will continue at Athletic next season. He also alluded to the fact that he believes it will be easy to reach an agreement but that remains to be seen. The future of Aritz Aduriz is another topic.

“Aduriz is a very special case because he is 38-years-old and I just want to know if he wants to continue playing football”, said Alkorta. “When I sit down with him we will say what we want to say, but the questions are different with every situation. We will meet with him at any time.” Aduriz already has a renewal offer on the table and it will be up to the striker to decide whether or not he wants to play for another season.”

Raúl García is still under contract and Alkorta believes that he will continue to play a big role at Athletic. “He is a player who everyone warms to because of the way he plays. You have to have those players who are competitive, quarrelsome, and have that fire. I know he’s ours, that he will continue to be ours, and that he has played an important role in this team.”